Issues with Alembic F1X direct out

[wisconsindeadd]

Been having issues with a weak and bad sounding signal coming from the direct out on the front of my F1X. Anyone know of a good spot to start trying to determine the issue? Ive tried cranking the volume but that only helps so much. My signal path is from my bass to the f1x (hotter input) to sf2 using f1x effects loop and then to a crown xls1500.

Ive personally been able to get it to work fine in my basement but sound guys at gigs do not like it. Not sure what to do.

[jazzyvee]

Are yousending the signal pre or post? I have found sound guys don’t like the post signal from the F-1x.

[KR]

Cleaning the contacts on the preamp input jacks and xlr output connector is a good place to start. If you don't have any cleaner...dip a q-tip in alcohol, wring it slightly and clean the pins on the xlr, and the 1/4" cable plug--and plug in a few times in succession. Also, try a different xlr cable. I just did this with a preamp that was intermittent, and it worked in my case---the cleaning, that is.
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[wisconsindeadd]

Are yousending the signal pre or post? I have found sound guys don’t like the post signal from the F-1x.

I believe I tried both, but come to think of it, I'm not totally sure. When I have it hooked up to a PA it sounds more noisy on the PRE setting compared to POST but that is probably more related to how i have the EQ set up.

Cleaning the contacts on the preamp input jacks and xlr output connector is a good place to start. If you don't have any cleaner...dip a q-tip in alcohol, wring it slightly and clean the pins on the xlr, and the 1/4" cable plug--and plug in a few times in succession. Also, try a different xlr cable. I just did this with a preamp that was intermittent, and it worked in my case---the cleaning, that is.
.

I tried cleaning all of the jacks (1/4" and XLR) on the F1X. We'll see if that helped. I can't seem to notice an issue when I try it on my PA, but I can't see the levels or anything, I can just hear whether or not it is working. I have plenty of headroom when using a PA. I'm not sure what the sound guys are seeing...

[KR]

Years ago I had to ask RonW for a mod to pad down the output of my F1X XLR output as it was blasting the inputs of some devices I would plug it into with its super strong XLR output.

[wisconsindeadd]

Just for future reference to those who may need. Putting in a new tube solved my direct out issue.

[jazzyvee]

I think my F-1x needs a new tube. I recently put it back in the rack with my Sf-2 and it is distorting with ir without the Sf-2 in the s/r loop so i will start with a new tube and see how i get on. My local shops dont have many choices so any recommendations are welcome. Clearly i want a clean hifi sounding tube.

[mario_farufyno]

Just for future reference to those who may need. Putting in a new tube solved my direct out issue.

Thanks for the update

[keith_h]

I think my F-1x needs a new tube. I recently put it back in the rack with my Sf-2 and it is distorting with ir without the Sf-2 in the s/r loop so i will start with a new tube and see how i get on. My local shops dont have many choices so any recommendations are welcome. Clearly i want a clean hifi sounding tube.

I have no suggestions on what brand to try but be sure to get one that fits inside the shield by taking it with you. Tubes or valves as y'all call them can vary in the envelope size from manufacturer to manufacturer. There can also be variances within a brand since many contract out the manufacturing. One other thing is unless you are dealing with NOS tubes all 12AX7's that I am aware of today meet the 7025 spec so should all be relatively quiet.

[wisconsindeadd]

I think my F-1x needs a new tube. I recently put it back in the rack with my Sf-2 and it is distorting with ir without the Sf-2 in the s/r loop so i will start with a new tube and see how i get on. My local shops dont have many choices so any recommendations are welcome. Clearly i want a clean hifi sounding tube.

I have no suggestions on what brand to try but be sure to get one that fits inside the shield by taking it with you. Tubes or valves as y'all call them can vary in the envelope size from manufacturer to manufacturer. There can also be variances within a brand since many contract out the manufacturing. One other thing is unless you are dealing with NOS tubes all 12AX7's that I am aware of today meet the 7025 spec so should all be relatively quiet.

Correct. The type I bought would not fit inside the sleeve. In my F1X, which is an older model, not the oldest blue style, had a sleeve that could be pushed and pulled halfway. I ripped this out (the outer half/smaller diameter) and that allowed the tube to fit.

[StephenR]

I think my F-1x needs a new tube. I recently put it back in the rack with my Sf-2 and it is distorting with ir without the Sf-2 in the s/r loop so i will start with a new tube and see how i get on. My local shops dont have many choices so any recommendations are welcome. Clearly i want a clean hifi sounding tube.

I have no suggestions on what brand to try but be sure to get one that fits inside the shield by taking it with you. Tubes or valves as y'all call them can vary in the envelope size from manufacturer to manufacturer. There can also be variances within a brand since many contract out the manufacturing. One other thing is unless you are dealing with NOS tubes all 12AX7's that I am aware of today meet the 7025 spec so should all be relatively quiet.

Good suggestion about bringing the sleeve along when buying a new tube, pretty sure that Mica has mentioned that the brand of tube is much less important than making sure it fits in the sleeve.

[gtrguy]

The tube does have to fit. JJs are great tubes for this unit.

[wisconsindeadd]

I think my F-1x needs a new tube. I recently put it back in the rack with my Sf-2 and it is distorting with ir without the Sf-2 in the s/r loop so i will start with a new tube and see how i get on. My local shops dont have many choices so any recommendations are welcome. Clearly i want a clean hifi sounding tube.

I have no suggestions on what brand to try but be sure to get one that fits inside the shield by taking it with you. Tubes or valves as y'all call them can vary in the envelope size from manufacturer to manufacturer. There can also be variances within a brand since many contract out the manufacturing. One other thing is unless you are dealing with NOS tubes all 12AX7's that I am aware of today meet the 7025 spec so should all be relatively quiet.

Good suggestion about bringing the sleeve along when buying a new tube, pretty sure that Mica has mentioned that the brand of tube is much less important than making sure it fits in the sleeve.

The sleeve is not designed to be removed, or at least it doesn't seem like it is. I had to rip off the front portion of it because my tube was too large. Was a nerve wracking moment. But I'd be damned if I had to go back to the guitar shop and get one that fits (lol). So, I guess you can rip off the front half and do it that way, but once you have the front part off the size doesn't matter anymore. YMMV...